Rare audio recording of Jewish Al Jolson singing what became the national anthem of the modern State of Israel: "The Hatikvah" ("The Hope"). Here is some biographic info on this showbiz legend: Al Jolson (May 26, 1886 - October 23, 1950) was a highly acclaimed American singer, comedian and actor...

Al Jolson, 1888-1950, American entertainer, whose original name was Asa Yoelson, b. Russia. He emigrated to the United States c.1895. The son of a rabbi, Jolson first planned to become a cantor but soon turned to the stage. After his New York City debut in 1899, he worked in circuses, in minstrel...

The Jazz Singer (1927) - Part 1/9 - The son of a Jewish Cantor must defy his father in order to pursue his dream of becoming a jazz singer. Starring Al Jolson, May McAvoy, Warner Oland, Eugenie Besserer, Otto Lederer, and Robert Gordon. Directed by Alan Crosland.

The Jazz Singer (1927) - Part 2/9 - The son of a Jewish Cantor must defy his father in order to pursue his dream of becoming a jazz singer. Starring Al Jolson, May McAvoy, Warner Oland, Eugenie Besserer, Otto Lederer, and Robert Gordon. Directed by Alan Crosland.

The Jazz Singer (1927) - Part 1/9 - The son of a Jewish Cantor must defy his father in order to pursue his dream of becoming a jazz singer. Starring Al Jolson, May McAvoy, Warner Oland, Eugenie Besserer, Otto Lederer, and Robert Gordon. Directed by Alan Crosland.

A rare recording of Al Jolson singing the Israeli national anthem, Hatikvah (The Hope). Al Jolson (May 26, 1886 October 23, 1950) was an American singer, comedian, and actor. According to PBS, he is considered the "first openly Jewish man to become an entertainment star in America". His...